Atletico boss Diego Simeone: Fixture list makes me nervous

With the Rojiblancos just a point ahead of Barcelona with eight rounds to go, the Argentine insists that he is not even thinking about a final-day title decider at Camp Nou.

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has admitted he is managing his side's Liga title challenge on a game-by-game basis because looking at the fixture list makes him "nervous".

With eight rounds of the season remaining, the Rojiblancos lead the Primera Division by a single point from Barcelona, whom they face at Camp Nou on the final day of the season.

Consequently, pundits and fans have already started talking about a title decider in Catalunya, but Simeone can't bring himself to look that far ahead.

"That would be talking about suppositions," he told reporters on Friday. "I don't look at the schedule as it makes me nervous. We are strongest going game to game."

Simeone's caution is understandable, given that this weekend Atletico must travel to San Mames to take on Athletic Bilboa, which will be desperate to maintain its advantage over Sevilla in the battle for Spain's fourth and final Champions League berth.

“We will play a great side," Simeone said. "We're having a good season but Athletic are also have a very similar season to us. Both for the fact they've got a new coach and the amount of points they've got.

"It's true that Sevilla are pushing them, but they're staying there and have great players. We will have to be at our best."